System and method for guided printer servicing

ABSTRACT

A guided barcode printer diagnostic and servicing system and method includes a software application for a smart phone that simplifies the process of detecting problems with and servicing a malfunctioning barcode printer. Illustrated, audible, and/or written instructions prompt the user to obtain photographs, video recordings, and/or audio samples of the malfunctioning printer. Data processing algorithms extract diagnostic data from the photographs, video recordings, and/or audio samples. The diagnostic data is compared to known printer problem data stored in a database. If a potential problem is identified, a likely repair solution is presented with easy-to-follow servicing instructions. If a potential problem is not identified, additional troubleshooting steps are performed by the user, if needed, until the barcode printer is fixed or it is determined that a skilled service technician is needed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a system that facilitates thetroubleshooting and repair of printing equipment, and more specifically,to a system that provides guided servicing of barcode printers throughautomatic problem detection and clearly explained repair steps.

BACKGROUND

Barcode printers are specially designed printers designed to producebarcode labels. Barcode labels can be encoded with identification andother information and attached to countless items and objects. Barcodeprinters are ruggedly designed for long-term continuous use but likemost devices with electro-mechanical rotating components, theyeventually malfunction and stop operating as intended.

Periodic servicing and preventative maintenance procedures are oftenperformed to ensure reliable operation of barcode printers. However,even well maintained printers may stop working due to the unexpectedfailure of individual components. These breakdowns often result insignificant costs due to unscheduled down-time and costly repair billsfrom specialized printer repair technicians.

Businesses that rely on barcode printers often have service contractswith skilled technicians for periodic servicing and ‘as-needed’ repairsof their printers. Service contracts help ensure the availability ofqualified repair technicians in the event that emergency repairs areneeded. However, service fees may still be assessed even if no repairsare needed for a given period. Further, the cost of service calls mayquickly add up and cut into profits depending on the nature, duration,complexity, and time of the calls. Still further, time spent waiting fora service technician may cut into profits even more if production isaffected.

Therefore, a need exists for a guided printer servicing system thatassists with troubleshooting common barcode printer problems to theextent that an end-user with limited repair skills or training mayrestore a malfunctioning barcode printer to full working order. A needfurther exists for such a guided servicing system to operate on a widelyavailable mobile computer or other portable electronic device such as asmart phone.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention embraces a guidedservicing system for barcode printers. The servicing system includes aportable electronic device, such as a smart phone. The portableelectronic device includes a user interface for displaying informationand receiving input from a user. The portable electronic device furtherincludes a camera capable of taking photographs or video recordings of abarcode printer and a memory for storing data including a diagnosticdatabase with known printer problem data along with repair instructions.The servicing system includes a software application executed on theportable electronic device that obtains a visual image of a barcodeprinter from a photograph or video recording taken with the camera andprocesses the image to derive diagnostic data. The barcode printerdiagnostic data is compared with the known printer problem data toidentify potential problems. Servicing instructions associated with theidentified potential problem are presented to the user via the userinterface on the portable electronic device.

In an exemplary embodiment of the servicing system, printeridentification information is obtained from the barcode printer. In onepossible embodiment, the printer identification information is obtainedby scanning and decoding a barcode label affixed to the printer. Inanother possible embodiment, the printer identification information isobtained by user input. In still another possible embodiment, theprinter identification information is determined by comparing thediagnostic data of the printer with data of known printers.

In another exemplary embodiment of the printer servicing system, theportable electronic device further includes a microphone for obtainingan audio sample.

In another exemplary embodiment of the printer servicing system, theportable electronic device obtains an audio sample of the barcodeprinter during a printing operation and the software application derivesbarcode printer diagnostic data from aspects of the audio sample.

In yet another embodiment of the printer servicing system, thediagnostic database identifies a potential problem based on thecomparison between the barcode printer diagnostic data and the dataindicative of known printer problems. In another embodiment of theservicing system, the diagnostic database is further configured toidentify a most likely solution based on a potential problem. In afurther embodiment, the diagnostic database can be updated periodically.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces a method fortroubleshooting a printer. The method begins with obtaining a photographof the printer with a portable electronic device. The portableelectronic device includes a camera and a processor in communicationwith a database containing data indicative of known printer problems.Diagnostic data about the malfunctioning printer is then derived fromthe photograph. The diagnostic data of the printer is compared with thedata indicative of known printer problems. A potential printer problemis identified based on the comparison between the diagnostic data of theprinter and the data indicative of known printer problems.

In an exemplary embodiment of the method for troubleshooting a printer,repair solutions including at least one graphic image identifying acomponent of the printer are provided for each known printer problemdata set.

In another exemplary embodiment of the method for troubleshooting aprinter, troubleshooting instructions for obtaining a photograph of theprinter are provided.

In another exemplary embodiment of the method for troubleshooting aprinter, the portable electronic device has a microphone. In yet anotherexemplary embodiment of the method for troubleshooting a printer, anaudio sample from the malfunctioning printer is obtained with theportable electronic device and diagnostic data is derived from the audiosample.

In another exemplary embodiment of the method for troubleshooting aprinter, the manufacturer and/or model of the printer are automaticallydetected through a visual recognition algorithm. In yet anotherembodiment, the portable electronic device is a smart phone.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces a system for servicinga printer using a portable electronic device. The system includes adiagnostic database having known printer problem information matchedwith most likely servicing instructions, a camera in operativecommunication with the diagnostic database, and a set of computerexecutable instructions downloadable onto the portable electronicdevice. The computer executable instructions, such as a smart phoneapplication, configure the portable electronic device to display asequence of printer troubleshooting instructions for the user toperform. The portable electronic device is also configured to obtaindiagnostic data from an image of the printer obtained with the camera,and communicate the diagnostic data to the diagnostic database. Further,the diagnostic database is configured to identify a most likely solutionbased on the diagnostic data received from the portable electronicdevice.

In another exemplary embodiment of the troubleshooting system, theportable electronic device is configured to derive printeridentification information from the captured image.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the troubleshooting system, theportable electronic device is configured to receive printeridentification information from the printer.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplaryobjectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the manner in whichthe same are accomplished, are further explained within the followingdetailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically and graphically depicts a guided printer servicingsystem according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method of providing guided printer servicingof a malfunctioning barcode printer according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 3A-3C graphically depict a sequence of the guided printerservicing system and method of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 4A-4C graphically depict another sequence of the guided printerservicing system and method of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 5A-5C graphically depict another sequence of the guided printerservicing system and method of FIGS. 1 and 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention embraces a system and method of providing guidedprinter servicing, i.e., troubleshooting, for, but not limited to,barcode printers. The system and method reduce the technical skill levelneeded to diagnose and repair malfunctioning printers as well as toperform routine servicing of normally functioning printers. In oneembodiment, a software application (‘app’) running on a smart phonedirects a user to obtain photographs, video recordings, and/or audiosamples of a problematic barcode printer. The application performsvarious signal processing and diagnostic algorithms on the recordings toobtain diagnostic data. The diagnostic data is then referenced against adatabase containing information about known printer problems to identifyone or more potential problems. After a potential problem is identified,a series of user-directed servicing instructions are presented via thesmart phone.

The intelligence provided by computerized problem detection along withthe easy-to-follow servicing instructions enable an end user, even onewith limited technical aptitude or training, to successfullytroubleshoot and service a problematic barcode printer. Costs associatedwith printer repair technicians would be significantly reduced becausemost barcode printer problems will be resolved faster and cheaper withon-site personnel. The present invention also provides preventative andpredictive maintenance servicing on all printers by audibly detectingworn components that may be close to failing, causing unplanneddowntime. Even skilled printer service technicians would benefit fromthe present invention by reducing the time and effort needed to detectand identify problems with a malfunctioning printer.

Referring now to the drawings, aspects of a preferred embodiment of aguided servicing system 100 for a barcode printer 101 of the presentinvention are illustrated. The functions described herein may beexecuted by a smart phone 102, implemented with computer executableinstructions (i.e., smart phone application 103) which can be downloadedonto and operated by the smart phone 102.

The guided printer servicing system 100 may utilize standard features ofthe smart phone 102, such as an image capturing device (i.e., camera106), a processor 108, and a memory unit 110. The system 100 furtherincludes a diagnostic database 112 stored in the memory 110 that ispopulated with information on known barcode printer problems. Thediagnostic database 112 also includes additional barcode printer-relatedinformation such as brand, model, parts list, troubleshootinginstructions, and solutions (i.e., servicing instructions) matched toknown printer problems. The known printer problem information may bederived from visual and audio data obtained during the printerdevelopment and testing phase and from historical repair data ofdifferent models of barcode printer 101. The diagnostic database 112 mayreceive updates with new printer problem and repair informationperiodically.

In one embodiment of the guided printer servicing system 100, the smartphone application 103 is initiated by selecting an associated icon (notshown) on the smart phone 102. The application 103 displays a series oftroubleshooting instructions that may include asking a user to identifythe type of printer 101. Alternatively, the user may be asked to take aphotograph of the printer 101, which is then used by the application 103to identify the printer through a spatial-recognition algorithm. Thetroubleshooting instructions are then presented in an easy-to-followmanner through words, audible instructions, animations, illustrations,or other self-evident graphics.

In accordance with the troubleshooting instructions, a first set ofphotographs, video recordings, and/or audio samples of the problematicbarcode printer 101 are obtained using the servicing application 103 onthe smart phone 102. The application 103 processes the images andrecordings with various algorithms to derive ‘diagnostic data’ that isspecific to the barcode printer 101 being serviced. The diagnostic dataof the problematic barcode printer 101 is compared with known printerproblem information stored in the diagnostic database 112. Based onpre-determined rules and criteria, the application 103 may or may notinitially identify a potential problem from the diagnostic data.

If a potential problem is not identified, additional troubleshootinginstructions directing the user to perform actions on various components132 (e.g., removing certain rollers or lifting levers) are presented andnew images and recordings are obtained. The new images and recordingsare processed in the same manner to provide additional diagnostic datathat is again used by the application 103 to attempt to identify aproblem.

If a potential problem is identified, a likely solution, matched to theproblem in the diagnostic database 112, is identified and a series ofassociated servicing instructions are presented through the smart phone102. The servicing instructions are also prepared in an easy-to-followmanner with simple written phrases, animations, and other illustrativegraphics.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of theguided printer servicing system 100 is illustrated. The guided servicingsystem 100 includes smart phone 102, processor 108, and memory 110storing both the printer servicing application 103 and the diagnosticdatabase 112. The present invention is not limited to any one device andthe term ‘smart phone’ and ‘portable electronic device’ as used hereinmay encompass other mobile computer devices that have, or are incommunication with, a camera, interactive display, processor, andmemory. Examples of such devices include a tablet computer, laptopcomputer, handheld computer, portable scanner, or an augmented reality(AR) device.

The guided printer servicing system 100 further includes the camera 106for obtaining photographic images and video recordings (i.e., sequentialphotographic images) of the barcode printer 101. The system 100 may alsoinclude a microphone 116 for obtaining audio samples of sounds made bymoving components of the barcode printer 101 during a label printingoperation. The system 100 further includes a pressure-sensitive userinterface, i.e., touch screen display 118, to present information andreceive input from the user.

Other standard features of the smart phone 102 such as a GPS unit 120,wireless communication unit 122, and network adapter 124 may also beutilized by the system 100. In the present embodiment, the features andfunctions of the smart phone 102 may be controlled by the printerservicing application 103 in accordance with the operating system 126.

In a typical servicing operation, the printer servicing application 103displays a graphic representation 128 of the barcode printer 101 beingserviced on the smart phone 102. The graphic representation 128 may be agraphic image or outline presented in a way to assist the user inobtaining a suitable photograph for the application 103. Illustrated inFIG. 1 is a typical troubleshooting step in which the user has beeninstructed to lift or raise a printer cover 130 to provide anunobstructed view of the internal components 132 of the printer 101.

The application 103, through various troubleshooting instructions, maydirect the user to obtain a number of photographs of the printer 101from one or more angles and distances. The representation 128 on thedisplay 118 may be an actual image of the printer 101 or an illustrationdemonstrating one or more of the troubleshooting instructions needed tobe performed by the user. The smart phone 102 may employ standardauto-focus techniques to set an initial image focus and can warn theuser if the camera 106 is unable to achieve proper focus. A stereoscopicor Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) algorithm may be used tocreate 3D imagery if multiple images have been taken from differentperspectives. Computation of image derivatives and audio correction, ifneeded, can be performed by existing capabilities of the smart phone102.

The guided printer servicing system 100 may obtain printeridentification information (i.e., manufacturer, model, etc.) through avisual analysis process. In one embodiment, the application 103 uses animage recognition algorithm to determine the manufacturer and model ofthe barcode printer 101. Printer identification information mayotherwise be obtained by scanning and decoding a barcode label (notshown) or alphanumeric characters affixed to the printer 101, receivingthe information wirelessly, or by user entry with the smart phone 102.

After identifying the barcode printer 101, the application 103 accessesthe printer-specific data including the parts list and troubleshootinginstructions from the diagnostic database 112. As stated, thetroubleshooting instructions are simple and presented in an easilyunderstood manner. The troubleshooting instructions provide the stepsneeded to obtain suitable images and audio samples of the internalcomponents 132 so that the application 103 may attempt to detectproblems. Depending on the nature and location of the problem, multipleinstructions may be needed to obtain images of the problematiccomponents. The troubleshooting instructions may also include directionsfor the user to attempt to print a barcode label. While the barcodeprinter 101 is printing, or attempting to print, the label, photographsor video recordings may be obtained via the camera 106. Noises made bythe printer components 132 may be recorded via the microphone 116. Theimages and audio samples are digitally saved to the memory 110 in anaccepted file format.

Troubleshooting of the barcode printer 101 is automatic in the sensethat the printer servicing application 103 performs all of the dataanalysis and problem determination while the user merely follows thetroubleshooting instructions to move or manipulate components 132, printbarcode labels, and obtain images and audio samples of the printer 101using the smart phone 102.

The images and audio files of the printer 101 are processed using knownimage and noise algorithms to produce diagnostic data on the currentstate of the printer 101. The application 103 may implement one or morealgorithms on the recorded images to provide data on the internalcomponents 132 through spatial recognition, damage detection, andinformation extraction techniques. The application 103 may alsoimplement one or more algorithms on the audio samples to providediagnostic data through frequency-domain analysis, noise recognitiontechniques, or other known analytical methods.

After obtaining and processing the diagnostic data, the application 103compares the data from the printer 101 with predetermined data withvarious levels, values, ranges, and amounts associated with knownprinter problems. Analysis of the visual images may enable theapplication 103 to detect problems that present visually such as wornrollers, misaligned or jammed label rolls, bent pins, stripped gears,and the like. Even problems with a circuit board 134 such as a looseconnector 136 or a blown fuse may be detected through processing andanalyzing the visual images. Diagnostic data derived from frequencyanalysis of the audio sample may provide information that allows for theapplication 103 to detect problems such as uneven roller wear or failingservo-motors that would not be detected by visual means alone.

If the application 103 does not determine a potential printer problem,the user is prompted to perform additional steps and obtain morespecific or localized audio samples and visual recordings. The processmay be repeated by instructing the user to remove additional internalcomponents 132, all the way down to the circuit board level.

The servicing instructions, also stored in the diagnostic database 112,matched to the potential problem are then presented to the user. Aftercompleting the steps, the user is queried as to whether or not theproblem has been resolved. Alternatively, a self-diagnostic test may beperformed by the printer 101 and the status wirelessly sent to the smartphone 102.

As noted, the invention embraces a systems and method for providingguided servicing of barcode printers through simple user instructions toacquire diagnostic data in the form of images and sounds, automaticpotential problem detection based on the diagnostic data, and simpleuser repair instructions based on likely solutions to the potentialproblems. The system 100 may provide individual and generalizedservicing data and statistical information obtained during use of theapplication 103 in both resolved and unresolved printer troubleshootingby end-users. Such data and information may be used to improve thecapability of the diagnostic database 112. New servicing scenarios couldbe developed and wrongly-identified root causes, i.e., printer problems,may be corrected through analysis of data obtained over time fromcountless uses of the troubleshooting application 103.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting an exemplary method 200 of providingguided servicing of the barcode printer 101 according to the presentinvention. FIGS. 3-5 graphically depict sequences incorporating portionsof the barcode printer servicing system 100 and method 200 of FIGS. 1and 2.

The exemplary method 200 includes a data acquisition step 202 to obtainimages and audio samples of a barcode printer 101 being serviced. Simpletroubleshooting instructions are presented to the user via the smartphone 102. Screen graphics, written phrases, audio commands, or acombination thereof can be utilized to help a user understand the stepsneeded to obtain the images and audio samples.

As seen in FIG. 3A, troubleshooting steps including “lift printer cover”and “aim camera at printer media compartment” instructions 137 arecommunicated to the user via the display 118. An image 128 of theprinter 101 is also shown on the touch screen display 118. The image 128may be a photographic reproduction of the printer 101 or it may be anillustrated depiction of how the printer 101 should look after theinstructions have been performed. The illustrated depiction 128 helpsthe user understand the steps needed to be taken by visualizing theprocess. As illustrated, the printer cover 130 is in a lifted positionto provide an unobstructed view of the internal components 132. Withoutreading or even understanding the written instructions, a user wouldclearly understand what they were expected to do just by looking at therepresentation 128.

A graphic button 138 presented on the display screen 118 includes theself-explanatory instruction to “Take Photo”. The button 138 may beshaded and inoperable until the application 103 detects that the userhas performed the requested instructions. At that point, the button 138may become illuminated and operable so that the user is able to take aphotograph as instructed.

As seen in FIG. 3B, additional troubleshooting steps presented to theuser include “send print job to printer” and “record audio” instructions137. A generated image of sound waves 131 is displayed on the screen 118along with the button 138 and a self-explanatory label of “RecordAudio”. As clearly indicated, the user is instructed to attempt to printa label and obtain an audio sample of the printer 101 in operation.

The exemplary method 200 also includes a data processing step 204 thatoccurs after the visual images and audio samples have been obtained andstored in memory 110. In this step, the image and audio files areprocessed with various algorithms to extract the diagnostic data in themanner previously discussed. Image processing algorithms characterizeand quantify spatial features and other physical aspects of the printer101. Audio processing algorithms analyze the different sounds andfrequencies and attribute them to current conditions of printercomponents 132. The processing of the visual images and audio samplesresults in the capturing of information representative of known printerproblems, i.e., the diagnostic data.

The exemplary method 200 further includes a data analysis step 206.Analysis of the diagnostic data may include detecting structuralproblems, characterizing functional issues, and determining potentialoperational problems. The diagnostic data is also compared to knownprinter problem data in the diagnostic database 112. If there is asufficient match between the diagnostic data and that of a known printerproblem, the application identifies the printer problem as a ‘potentialproblem’ with the particular barcode printer 101. At this point in theprocess, it is unknown if the ‘potential problem’ is an actual problemwith the printer 101 but only that they share similar characteristics.

As shown in FIG. 3C, more than one potential problem may be identifiedfor the barcode printer 101. A percentage likelihood may be listed witheach potential problem depending on the similarities between thediagnostic data and known printer problem data. In the illustratedscenario, a potential problem of ‘Ribbon fitted wrongly’ is given a 95%likelihood of being the cause of the problems with the printer 101 whilea potential problem of ‘Out of paper’ is only given a 5% likelihood ofbeing a potential problem.

In Step 208, if no potential problem has been identified by theapplication 103, the process returns to the data acquisition step 202.Additional troubleshooting instructions are presented to the user,likely directed towards removing or manipulating additional internalcomponents 132, and more images and audio samples are taken. Theapplication 103 processes the additional images and sounds in step 204to acquire more diagnostic data that is re-analyzed in step 206.

If a potential problem has been identified, the process includespresenting guided servicing instructions in step 210. The solutions tothe potential problems are determined based on the proximity to a matchin the diagnostic database 112. Pre-defined, clearly explained, and/ordemonstrated user actions associated with the likely solution arepresented on the smart phone 102 to the user. An exemplary guidedservicing scenario is shown in FIGS. 4A-4C.

As seen in FIG. 4A, the application 103 presents a first repair steps tothe user in both written form (“Lift lever” instruction 137) and with agraphic box 140 around the specific component to help the userunderstand the action that they are being instructed to do. Aftercompleting the action, the user presses the ‘Next’ action button 138 andthe application 103 moves on to the next step. FIG. 4B includes a nextstep (“Pull out ribbon” instruction 137) along with a graphic box 140surrounding the specific component 132 on the printer 101. After thataction is completed, the user selects the “Next” action button 138 andeventually after completing all of the steps, is presented with thequery screen shown in FIG. 4C. At the query screen, the user ispresented with instructions 137 to send a label print command to theprinter 101. If the problem has been resolved and the printer 101appears to be functioning normally, the user is able to indicate this byselecting a “problem resolved” checkbox 142 and the guided printerservicing method 200 ends. If, after performing the actions, includingthose shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the printer problem is not resolved, theuser may select a “problem not resolved” checkbox 142 and the guidedprinter servicing method 200 returns to step 202 to obtain additionaldiagnostic data and continue to attempt to resolve the problem.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate another scenario of with the printer guidedservicing method 200. In this scenario, the barcode printer 101 has anelectrical problem with the circuit board 134. In FIG. 5A, the method200 is at the data acquisition step 202 and the application 103 hasfocused in on a potential problem with the circuit board 134. Theuser-directed instructions 137 in this scenario include “open printercover” and “aim camera at circuit board”. A graphic representation 128of the circuit board 134 is shown on the display 118. As in the scenarioshown in FIG. 3A, the user is presented with the ‘Take Photo’ actionbutton 138. The user may not be prompted to obtain an audio samplespecific to the circuit board 134, although this may have already beendone earlier in the guided printer servicing method 200.

The method 200 processes the data in step 204 and after referencing thediagnostic database 112 in analysis step 206, determines that there is apotential problem with the circuit board 134, specifically that a cable144 is not properly fitted. In step 210, this potential problem ispresented on the display 118 along with a graphic box 140 around theconnector 136 as shown in FIG. 5B. In FIG. 5C, the display 118 shows aproperly fitted cable 144 within the graphic box 140, both of which areintended to clearly instruct the user on the next step. The ‘Continue’action button 138 becomes operable and when pressed, the method moves tostep 212 where the application 103 may perform a diagnostic check to seeif the printer 103 is operational or not.

In another aspect of the present invention, the barcode printer guidedservicing system 100 can provide preventative maintenance analysis ofoperational barcode printers 101. As previously discussed, periodicanalysis of audio samples may detect worn or otherwise problematiccomponents that could fail prematurely, leading to significant repairand downtime costs. Repairs could be planned for scheduled downtimes. Ifthe barcode printer 101 is determined to be in imminent danger offailing, emergency work requests and parts orders, if needed, may begenerated.

While the specification described certain acts as being performed by thesmart phone 103, it will be recognized that most processors couldperform any of the aforementioned functions. The algorithms includingthose used to provide diagnostic data from the audio and visualrecordings, as well as those used to detect and determine potentialprinter problems may be performed on the smart phone, at a centralsystem, or distributed between various devices. Thus, the fact that anoperation is described as being performed by the application 103 on thesmart phone 102 should be understood as exemplary and not limiting.

The present technology can be used in connection with wearable computingsystems, including head mounted devices (HMD). Such devices typicallyinclude one or more sensors (e.g., at least one microphone, camera,accelerometers, etc.), and display technology by which computerinformation can be viewed as overlaid on the scene in front of the user(also known as augmented reality (AR)).

To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporatesentirely by reference the following commonly assigned patents, patentapplication publications, and patent applications:

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In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of theinvention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited tosuch exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes anyand all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Thefigures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawnto scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in ageneric and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A guided diagnostic and servicing systemfor a barcode printer, the system comprising: a portable electronicdevice including; a user interface for displaying information andreceiving input from a user; a camera for taking photographs or videorecordings; and a processor; and a diagnostic database including dataindicative of known printer problems and associated servicinginstructions stored in memory communicatively coupled to the portableelectronic device; wherein the portable electronic device is configuredto: obtain a visual image of a barcode printer using the camera; derivebarcode printer diagnostic data from aspects of the image; compare thebarcode printer diagnostic data with the data indicative of knownprinter problems to identify a potential problem with the barcodeprinter; and display servicing instructions associated with theidentified potential problem on the user interface.
 2. The guideddiagnostic and servicing system according to claim 1, wherein theportable electronic device is further configured to: obtain printeridentification information from the barcode printer.
 3. The guideddiagnostic and servicing system according to claim 2, wherein theprinter identification information is contained in a barcode labelaffixed to the printer; wherein the portable electronic device isfurther configured to scan and decode the barcode label to obtain theprinter identification information.
 4. The guided diagnostic andservicing system according to claim 2, wherein the printeridentification information is obtained by user input.
 5. The guideddiagnostic and servicing system according to claim 2, wherein theprinter identification information is determined by comparing thediagnostic data with data of known printers.
 6. The guided diagnosticand servicing system according to claim 1, wherein the portableelectronic device further includes a microphone for obtaining an audiosample.
 7. The guided diagnostic and servicing system according to claim6, wherein the portable electronic device is further configured to:obtain an audio sample of the barcode printer during a printingoperation; and derive barcode printer diagnostic data from aspects ofthe audio sample.
 8. The guided diagnostic and servicing systemaccording to claim 7, wherein the portable electronic device is furtherconfigured to identify a most likely potential problem based on thecomparison between the barcode printer diagnostic data and the dataindicative of known printer problems.
 9. The guided diagnostic andservicing system according to claim 8, wherein the portable electronicdevice is further configured to identify at least one solution to themost likely potential problem.
 10. The guided diagnostic and servicingsystem according to claim 1, wherein the diagnostic database isconfigured to be updated with new data periodically.
 11. A computerizedmethod for troubleshooting a printer, the method comprising the stepsof: obtaining a photograph of the printer with a mobile computerportable electronic device having a camera and a processor incommunication with a database containing data indicative of knownprinter problems; deriving diagnostic data of the printer from thephotograph; comparing the diagnostic data of the printer with the dataindicative of known printer problems; and identifying a potentialprinter problem based on the comparison between the diagnostic data ofthe printer and the data indicative of known printer problems.
 12. Thecomputerized method according to claim 11, further comprising the stepof: providing a repair solution for each identified potential printerproblem; wherein the repair solution includes at least one graphic imageidentifying a component of the printer on a visual display.
 13. Thecomputerized method according to claim 12, further comprising the stepof: providing troubleshooting instructions for obtaining a photograph ofthe printer.
 14. The computerized method according to claim 11, whereinthe portable electronic device further has a microphone.
 15. Thecomputerized method according to claim 14, further comprising the stepsof: obtaining an audio sample from the printer with the portableelectronic device; and deriving diagnostic data of the printer from theaudio sample.
 16. The computerized method according to claim 15, furthercomprising the step of: automatically identifying the manufacturer andmodel of the printer through a visual recognition algorithm.
 17. Thecomputerized method according to claim 11, wherein the portableelectronic device is a smart phone.
 18. A system for servicing a printerhaving a plurality of moving parts using a portable electronic mobilecomputer device, the system comprising: a diagnostic database havingknown printer problem information matched with likely solutions havingservicing instructions; a camera in operative communication with thediagnostic database; and a set of downloadable computer executableinstructions to configure the portable electronic device to: display asequence of printer troubleshooting instructions for the user toperform; derive diagnostic data from an image of the printer obtainedwith the camera; and transmit the diagnostic data to the diagnosticdatabase; wherein the diagnostic database is configured to identify amost likely solution based on the diagnostic data transmitted from theportable electronic device.
 19. The troubleshooting system according toclaim 18, wherein the portable electronic device is configured to deriveprinter identification information from the captured image.
 20. Thetroubleshooting system according to claim 18, wherein the portableelectronic device is configured to receive printer identificationinformation from the printer.